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Evolution of the LBV |
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The design of LBV has been driven by the pursuit for the ultimate compact inspection ROV. In order to accomplish the huge task of a truly new ROV all ideas had to be new. Building a ROV can be done, but the trick is to design a system that is packed with features at the lowest price, GOOD VALUE.
The Beginning
Beginning in 1993 Don Rodocker having already designed a new ROV, Hyball, in the mid 80's found the real demand was for something of similar capability only much smaller, much less expensive and more robust. Gathering on past experience not only in the ROV industry but the commercial dive industry Don put paper to pencil. Understanding the need for powerful thrusters and compact dimensions a tow model was created for drag testing. LBV#1.
The basic layout was machined from delrin and put through a variety of tests. From the data collected the amount of power required was identified and the design parameters. After spending his entire life and career in the commercial dive industry a sabbatical was much needed. Don pursued his other passion, boating.
Step 2 - Prototype
Years later Don was convinced the timing was right and the technology was in place to create LBV. Through varied resources a team of knowledgeable engineers were put together with the task of industrial design, mechanical design and electronics design. All agreed it wou
ld be difficult but very much achievable and far beyond anything available in the market.
First LBV was modeled using state of the art 3D modeling to shape LBV into the ROV of the future.
Once the modeling was felt to be close rapid prototyping technology was used to build the first prototype. Rapid prototyping is the process of taking a computer generated design and printing it in three dimensions. An amazing technology that greatly reduces the number of tooling modifications required.
During the mechanical design process the electronics engineers were hard at work creating cutting edge electronics. With so many features packed into such a small and low cost package requires a tremendous amount of skill.
Step 3 - Pr
oduction
With the completion of the full scale model prototype there were adjustments required to ease manufacturing and provide the necessary mechanical dimensions to fit the desired performance. From the adjustments molds were made for the composite parts and drawings sent out to machine the other items.
The first production model was functional December, 2001 with the first delivery January, 2002. Through the initial phase of production there were teething issues of which almost all related to electronics. With new electronics engineers brought in the LBV electronics were overhauled to produce the desired product.
As more and more systems entered the market the feedback was unbelievable in terms of how well the LBV performed, how easy it was to operate and maintain and how well it was designed. Through the end of 2004 the original production model of LBV was refined and more than 200 systems delivered.
However, not happy with stopping the engineers continue to perfect LBV for those that demand the best, SeaBotix.
Generation 2
Starting out the year (2005) SeaBotix introduced the latest generation of LBV systems. These Gen 2 systems are a result of the ongoing engineering, testing and client feedback. With more than 100 improvements the new design offers more power, easier operation, higher state of reliability, more features, more options, the list goes on.
LBV Generation 2 systems now offer what the small ROV should be. Highly portable, highly capable, intuitive and affordable. Explore the website to learn more about why LBV stands above the competition. But don't worry SeaBotix is not content with the best we want better. The future has much to give.
SolidWorks Corporation Chooses LBV
SolidWorks chooses LBV for design excellence. The global software engineering firm SolidWorks chose LBV for 2005 as one of their main promotional products. This was in part due to the design excellence as well as the uniqueness of the design. A very illustrious award to say the least.
SeaBotix engineers have been flown to various trade expositions on behalf of SolidWorks to talk more about the engineering of LBV. A custom tank was built and used on the stand for SolidWorks.
